Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1887-11-18

cyl But hOw-hOw was 1t possible for
you to save mel And how in the name
of heaven came you here2"
She pointed out the spot where she had
been sitting, and showed him the weap-
on which she had used with such good
effect. And he could only utter broken
words of wonder and gratitude.
"And your wallet" she said. "look,
they dropped it yonder among the mus
tard.'
"Ah! they did 30. Well, mans life
is worth more than his possessions, and
yet have risked mine many time for
the contents of that wallet"
He walked to the spot and brought it
back to where she stood.
'See where the rascals cut the strap"
and then he shuddered. "They must
have tracked me all the way from San
Bernardino. | saw them lurking round
the inn there where I stopped on my
way from the mines. Then at each
stopping place, saw and suspected
them. Last night started out at mid
night, thinking to outwit them. Cross
ing the San Antonio, l found the water
very much deeper than l expected got
nearly drowned myself, and spoiled my
found the wretches on my track again,
about six miles east of this place. l
was weak, too-weak for want of food,
for had had no chance to procure any
today. But for you'-he turned to her
again and faltered; "How can l ever
thank you? Do you realize from what
you have saved me?"
"Do not speak of it," she said, with
an imploring gesture, ''it is too horrible
to think of. Come with me. Do you
see that roof yonder? That is my
school house. l have some lunch there,
which l forgot to eat today. Let me
give it you
He followed her without a word, she
stepping lightly along the stony places,
then leading the way along the narrow
path through the mustard grove, he
walking YEARLY, but never moving his
eyes from the form before him.
They entered the school house. What
had happened to 1t since Stella had left
it? Some strange glamour had surely been
at work.
There was such bewitching sense of
hospitality in offering her way worn
guest the one chair which the house
toasted! in spreading napkin on one of
the rough desks, and placing on it the
bread and fruit, which she had brought
with her in the morning, and even some
milk in a bottle, which Sonora Benito
had, by good fortune, given her.
Now eat-do eat, she said. II will
leave you alone for little while to
recover"
But he entreated her to stay. He
IL 10
was the distance to Los Angeles?
So she sat down on the nearest school
bench, and told him that it was too late
to reach the Puente station that night.
If he could spend the night in the school
house he was heartily welcome. The
people living near were all poor, and
their houses very small. The Benitos
where she boarded would give him
breakfast.
How late it was! The sun was nearly
down. The Benitos would be wondering
at her non-appearance. She had been
talking to this stranger as she had never
talked to any one before. There was the
wondrous tie of saved life between
them.
You have not asked my NAME" he
said, as she rose to go; edo you not care
to know the name of the man who is
your debtor for his life?"
"How strange that l should not have
thought of asking YOU
my name is Archie Stanley. Yours
l see is Harley, but l would like tC
know the name your brother calls you
if may?'
She looked up at him with the eyes
which quelled and softened her unruly
scholars.
my name is Stella"
"Stella'-he said softly. "Stella-s
star
In the morning Archie Stanley did no
appear at breakfast time at the Benitos
cottage. Stella was not surprised. Sh
felt that their farewell had been spoken
when she left him standing at the schoo
. house door looking after her.
T In fact, after few hours rest, he ha'
walked in the moonlight to Puente AM
t taken the train before day break to Lo
l Angeles.
Q Not many months after that summe
day when the Indians were defrauded @
D a white mans scalp and wallet of gold
: the contents of the wallet were converte
into one of the most beautiful ranches i
the wide and smiling valley of San Ga
briel. Orange groves and vineyards
gray green olives, broad leaved figs wer
there, with mellow apricots and lusciou
T peaches A stretch of rich alfalfa for tn
5 meek eyed cows-a broad lawn Of We
n vety blue grass, shaded by luxuriar
willows and pepper trees, and by grou
of eucalyptus trees, sending their wonder
full growth up and up into the CLOWN
4 skies. And in the shadiest spot fail
white villa with broad piazzas, up which
with magical rapidity, climbing roses an
; other exquisite creeping plants were a
Is ready spreading their delicate tracery.
Archie Stanley is the master of tn
g beautiful home, and-you have alread
}, rightly guessed that its mistress is Stelli
9 And Tom. poor Tom, is here ikewis'
g if not to regain health, at least to pass b